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Indiana laws take effect July 1, toughen truck rules

As of Thursday, July 1, Indiana will begin enforcing two new truck rules that were approved by state lawmakers early this year.

Fees and regulations on the shipment of radioactive materials within Indiana are getting beefed up. Truck loads and rail shipments are affected.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security will be responsible for issuing permits for the transportation of radioactive materials on the state’s roadways. Shippers of affected loads will be required to obtain a permit to transfer high-level radioactive materials. Permits will also carry an expiration date.

Indiana has been charging $1,000 for the transportation of each cask of nuclear waste. The new law implements permit fees of $2,500 per truck or, for rail shipments, $4,500 for the first cask and $3,000 for each additional cask. Failure to obtain the proper permit could result in a maximum $1,000 fine.

Supporters said the regulation for radioactive materials is needed to keep Indiana roads safe from dangerous materials that require delicate handling.

“When transporting radioactive materials across the state, any small mishap can be disastrous to both people as well as the environment,” Sen. Jim Arnold, D-LaPorte, said in a recent statement. “The requirement for these vehicles to carry a permit is an important step to better regulation.”

The Indiana State Police, including motor carrier inspectors, rail safety inspectors and other eligible law enforcement are authorized to conduct vehicle inspections to verify compliance. Vehicles found in violation could be detained, seized or impounded.

Another new rule taking effect on Thursday ratchets up the state’s out-of-service violations. The intent is to comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

The new law significantly increases fines for drivers found violating out-of-service orders. Instead of first offenders facing a $1,000 fine, they would be responsible for paying $2,500 fines.

Motor carriers also face greater punishment. Employers convicted of knowingly allowing, requiring, permitting or authorizing a driver in OOS status to get behind the wheel would face fines between $2,750 and $25,000. The fine has been $2,500.

To view other legislative activities of interest for Indiana in 2010, click here .

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